NORTH Yorkshire has been allocated nearly £20m for public health spending over the next year.

The money comes through the Public Health Grant, first introduced by the government in 2013, which is ploughed into special initiatives and campaigns to improve public health services across the county.

Director of Public Health Dr Lincoln Sergeant said the grant is intended to reflect need and although the allocation still falls short of the level of funding North Yorkshire should receive, it has allowed the county council to make new investments in public health services, and initiatives that were not possible previously.

He added: “In the first two years, we have transformed core public health services to deliver greater value for money and ensure they are tailored to local need. These include drug and alcohol services, the Health Child Programme for five to 19 year olds and sexual health services.

“Specific areas of new spend have focused on targeted prevention programmes to help older people to remain independent and well in their homes. The grant has also funded the development of the council’s stronger communities programme which offers support to local communities to build community resilience and support eh vulnerable in their midst.”